I think an good topic for me to talk about on this blog would The Supreme Court. The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest judicial body in the United States and leads the judicial branch of the U.S. federal government.
The Court consists of nine Justices: the Chief Justice of the United States and eight Associate Justices. The Justices are nominated by the President and confirmed with the "advice and consent" of the Senate. As federal judges, the Justices serve during "good behavior," meaning they essentially serve for life and can be removed only by resignation, or by impeachment and subsequent conviction. The Supreme Court is the only court established by the United States Constitution (in Article III); all other federal courts are created by Congress:
The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behavior, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.
The Supreme Court holds both original and appellate jurisdiction, with its appellate jurisdiction accounting for most of the Court's caseload. The court's original jurisdiction is narrowly focused, as defined in Article III, Section 2 ("In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the Supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction"). The court's appellate jurisdiction encompasses "all cases" within the scope of Article III, but is subject to limitation by acts of Congress under the Exceptions Clause in Article III and by the discretion of the Court.
The Supreme Court meets in Washington, D.C., in the United States Supreme Court building. The Court's yearly terms usually start on the first Monday in October and finish sometime during the following June or July. Each term consists of alternating two week intervals. During the first interval, the court is in session ('sitting') and hears cases, and, during the second interval, the court is recessed to consider and write opinions on cases it has heard.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
All legislative powers are vested within the Congress - a two part governmental body including both the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate, a 100 member group with 2 senators from each state, is elected by the people with direct reference to the 17th amendment. All senators must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizens for at least 9 years, and be a resident of the state they are elected from. Their term remains for six years and 1/3 of the total Senate is elected every two years. This allows for a continual change. Of the two senators elected per state, the one elected first is referred to as the senior senator of that state and the other, junior.
The House of Representatives, comprised of 435 members are elected every two years. The number of representatives per state are determined by total population. The Constitution limits the number of representatives to not more than one for every 30,000 people. Representatives must be at least 25 years, have been a U.S. citizens for seven years and be a resident of the state they are elected from. In addition to representatives from each of the states, there is a Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and Delegates from the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands.
A Congress lasts for two years, and is divided into two sessions. Both the Senate and House of Representatives have equal legislative functions and powers (except the House may initiate revenue bills) and they are not referred to as the “upper” and/or “lower” houses. The Chief Function of Congress is the making of laws. This is especially important to maintain order within a large country. Without this order, there would be no organization, and it could be assumed that the country could not be as successful as it is because of this structure. Changing times call for changing laws. With a continual look on the present time, representatives and senators can update legislation so that it is impactful for what concerns citizens now.
The House of Representatives, comprised of 435 members are elected every two years. The number of representatives per state are determined by total population. The Constitution limits the number of representatives to not more than one for every 30,000 people. Representatives must be at least 25 years, have been a U.S. citizens for seven years and be a resident of the state they are elected from. In addition to representatives from each of the states, there is a Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and Delegates from the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands.
A Congress lasts for two years, and is divided into two sessions. Both the Senate and House of Representatives have equal legislative functions and powers (except the House may initiate revenue bills) and they are not referred to as the “upper” and/or “lower” houses. The Chief Function of Congress is the making of laws. This is especially important to maintain order within a large country. Without this order, there would be no organization, and it could be assumed that the country could not be as successful as it is because of this structure. Changing times call for changing laws. With a continual look on the present time, representatives and senators can update legislation so that it is impactful for what concerns citizens now.
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